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occupied himself much with the theory of music, and practised 
the piano and violoncello. Though too much occupied in after life 
to allow of his attaining much proficiency, he could always interest 
and amuse his friends by singing his own songs to his own music, 
always gay and cheery. “ The Coachman of the Skylark ” in 1854, 
“ The Engine-driver’s Address to his Engine ” in 1858, and “ The 
Mathematician in Love,” and “ The Three-foot Rule,” somewhat 
later, had a grotesque gracefulness of humour which were irresist- 
ible. His appearance was highly prepossessing, as the Fellows of 
the Royal Society of Edinburgh well know. His social qualities 
were the admiration of his acquaintances and the delight of his 
friends. Full of anecdote and information, he was an ornament to 
society, of which he was always the least obtrusive member, but 
often the centre of attraction. Everything he did he did well. 
Singing, croquet, or bezique, he used to join in them cordially, and 
intent on the moment’s amusement. 
His first great grief was the death of his father in May 1870. 
Rankine’s affectionate and devoted nature was deeply moved, and 
he himself began soon after to experience symptoms of decay of 
his hitherto vigorous health. When, in April 1871, his excellent 
mother died, he was for a time quite absorbed by his grief for her 
loss. His own health became more and more unsatisfactory. 
Especially his eyesight became very weak, and during 1872 he 
had to employ an amanuensis and an assistant in his class work, 
one of his pupils, M. Bamber. 
He visited his more intimate friends much during the summer 
of this year, where he could enjoy rest, and quiet, and amusement. 
But his health gradually gave way, and towards the end of Novem- 
ber his medical friends perceived that the great mind of Rankine 
was giving way. 
On the 24th December he died, leaving a noble record of genius 
to future generations, and a sweet memory to those of his contem- 
poraries who knew him personally. 
